befürchtet

Befürchtet is the past participle and adjectival form of the German verb befuerchten (befürchten), meaning to fear something in advance or to anticipate a negative outcome. The term is often used to describe concerns about possible future events or consequences. The corresponding noun is Befürchtung, meaning a fear, concern, or apprehension.

Grammatical notes: Befürchten is a transitive verb. The past participle befuerchtet is used as an adjective or in perfect tense constructions (ich habe befürchtet). As an adjective, befuerchtet appears with appropriate endings: befürchtete Folgen (feared consequences), befürchtete Gefahr (feared danger). In subordinate or formal clauses, befürchtet is common in constructions such as Es wird befürchtet, dass... (It is feared that...). The term is frequent in journalism, politics, and formal discourse.

Usage and nuance: Befürchtet conveys concern about plausible but uncertain risks, rather than a certainty. It often implies an anticipation of adverse developments rather than a present danger. It can describe institutional concerns as well as individual worries. The related noun Befürchtung denotes the apprehension itself, while synonyms include Sorge, Bedenken, or Angst in broader contexts, though each carries slightly different nuance.

Examples: Es wird befürchtet, dass die Wirtschaft im nächsten Quartal schrumpft. Die befürchteten Folgen einer neuen Regelung waren groß. Die Befürchtung besteht, dass Verzögerungen auftreten könnten.

See also: Befürchtung, fürchten, beunruhigt, Sorge, Bedenken.